Blue Jackets Continue Homestand, Host Panthers

Columbus looks to build on recent wins and stay in playoff hunt

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets, coming off two straight victories, will host the Florida Panthers as they continue their homestand. Despite missing key players like Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner, the Blue Jackets have been on a roll, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and 12-2-1 since the hiring of head coach Rick Bowness. The team is currently three points behind Boston for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and five points behind Pittsburgh and the New York Islanders for third in the Metropolitan Division. With the trade deadline looming, the games are taking on a playoff-like intensity, and the Blue Jackets have been finding ways to win, including getting some lucky bounces around the net.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' recent surge has put them firmly in the playoff hunt, and these late-season games against fellow contenders will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. A strong homestand could help Columbus make up ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings.

The details

The Blue Jackets are coming off back-to-back wins, rallying from a 4-0 third-period deficit to beat the Rangers 5-4 in overtime on Monday, then defeating the Predators 3-2 on Tuesday despite heavy legs. They've been getting contributions from up and down the lineup, with players like Charlie Coyle crashing the net and creating scoring chances. The team has been playing a playoff-style brand of hockey as they look to secure a postseason berth.

  • The Blue Jackets host the Panthers on Thursday, March 7, 2026.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Zach Werenski

A Norris Trophy candidate who has missed the last two games due to illness.

Boone Jenner

The Blue Jackets' captain, who was out of the lineup on Tuesday.

Rick Bowness

The Blue Jackets' head coach, who has led the team to a 12-2-1 record since being hired.

Charlie Coyle

A Blue Jackets forward who has been crashing the net and creating scoring chances.

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What they’re saying

“You enjoy the wins when they come. You enjoy the evening and then get ready for tomorrow. We have an off day (Wednesday) to regroup and get some rest and come back on Thursday and be ready to go again, Saturday again. The games aren't stopping. They're not slowing down.”

— Damon Severson, Defenseman (nhl.com)

“Sometimes that's what it takes, yeah. Obviously you want to try to manufacture offense and do the things that you can with over and over, but sometimes it's just getting it to the net and getting a lucky bounce and just getting our nose dirty.”

— Adam Fantilli (nhl.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to continue their strong play on Thursday when they host the Florida Panthers. A win would further solidify their playoff position as the trade deadline approaches on Friday.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' recent surge has put them firmly in the playoff hunt, and these late-season games against fellow contenders will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. Despite key injuries, the team has been finding ways to win through a playoff-style brand of hockey, and a strong homestand could help them make up ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings.